• Type: Lunar / melt breccia
• Location: Algeria
• Weight: 1.2g
• Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 2 mm
• Year of discovery: 2023
• Known total weight: 4.83 kg
• Surface treatment: cut slice, polished on one side
• Packaging: transparent plastic box (5.8 x 3.8 x 1.6 cm)
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

El Atchane 024 – a rare lunar meteorite El Atchane 024 is a lunar meteorite discovered in 2023 in the Ouargla region of southern Algeria. On September 14, 2025, it was officially approved and added to the international meteorite database. The main mass weighs 4.83 kg and belongs to the rare group of feldspathic melt breccias – lunar rocks formed by melting and mixing materials during an impact on the Moon’s surface. Composition and origin The meteorite contains plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine, minerals typical for the lunar highlands. It also features melt domains with sharp boundaries against the surrounding matrix, indicating rapid cooling after the impact event. Structure and characteristics El Atchane 024 is a heterogeneous breccia composed of anorthositic fragments, mineral clasts, and crystallized melt. Under polarized light, you can observe microlitic textures and fine grain structures typical for this type of lunar material. Rarity and significance Thanks to its verified provenance, rare classification, and well-documented mineralogy, El Atchane 024 is considered a highly valuable lunar meteorite. It represents a unique opportunity to own a true fragment of the Moon’s crust.